Residents and businesses in Bracknell are being urged to stay vigilant after a number of counterfeit bank notes were reported in the area.
Thames Valley Police said it had received several reports of fake notes being used, including cases where offenders allegedly paid for items advertised on online marketplaces such as Facebook Marketplace.
Victims only realised the notes were counterfeit after the transactions had been completed, police said.
Officers have also received reports from a number of retail premises where counterfeit bank notes were accepted as payment.
Police warned that the counterfeit notes being recovered are “very convincing” and can be difficult to identify at first glance.
Residents selling items online are being advised to carefully check bank notes before completing a sale, while retailers are urged to ensure staff are familiar with the security features of genuine Bank of England notes.
Security features to look for include the transparent window, holographic images that change when tilted, raised print, the metallic foil patch and clear, sharp print quality.
Anyone who believes they have received a counterfeit note is advised not to spend it, but instead report the matter to police and contact their bank for advice.
Thames Valley Police is asking anyone with information about the use of counterfeit currency in Bracknell to report it online or by calling 101. Anyone witnessing a crime in progress should call 999.
